No man who knows aught, can be so stupid to deny that all men naturally were born free.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the inherent freedom of all humans at birth, suggesting that ignorance is an obstacle to recognizing this truth.
John Milton's quote asserts that it is foolish for any knowledgeable person to deny the fundamental principle that all individuals are born with innate freedom. This idea aligns with broader philosophical discussions about human rights and liberty, suggesting that recognizing our natural freedom is a prerequisite for any civilized society. Ignorance or denial of this truth weakens the moral fabric of society, as it leads to injustice and oppression.
In practice
This quote can be used as a powerful statement in a speech about human rights.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
The media covers what’s new – and millions of people dying is nothing new. So it stays in the background, where it’s easier to ignore. But even when we do see it or read about it, it’s difficult to keep our eyes on the problem. It’s hard to look at suffering if the situation is so complex that we don’t know how to help. And so we look away.
A person is neither a thing nor a process but an opening through which the Absolute can manifest.
It takes a checkbook to change the world
I don't care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it.
Liberty is obedience to the law which one has laid down for oneself
I'm fascinated by the way early experiences haunt and revisit you, remain present in your life for decades and decades - they can even shape who you ultimately become.
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